"The critics, all of a sudden, seem to have turned on us and forgotten that we were actually critically acclaimed in the past," he told TV Guide. "Last season, we had our highest ratings ever, so I kind of ignore the critics."

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Ellin suggested that the criticism started because Entourage started to introduce some darker storylines.

"Honestly, I'm very willing to be criticised," he said. "I love the show. I think it's as good as it's ever been. I don't feel there's been a lot of shows in the history of television that have mixed up tones as much as we have and I think that throws people. I think that shocks them."

He continued: "Would you like to see everyone go, 'It's the greatest thing ever'? Of course, but when we started season one, I remember HBO saying, 'This is not our typical type of show, so I'd be prepared for some pretty harsh reviews'. And The New York Times said we were the best show on television that year, so I never expected that. I never expected some of the backlash."

Ellin also denied rumours that HBO cancelled Entourage, instead insisting that the cast and crew decided to bring it to a close.

"I think nobody wanted it to end, but we all knew it was time to end," he said. "HBO didn't cancel us. We had a long talk with them about when it should end two years ago. It feels like the right time."

The final season of Entourage continues on Sunday at 10.30pm on HBO in the US and tonight at 10.35pm on Sky Atlantic in the UK.